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By signing a Joint Declaration of Peace and Friendship on Monday in Asmara, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki have taken a historic step, putting an end to a 20-year dispute. France welcomes this and extends its warm congratulations to them.

This agreement is the result of the determination shown in June by Ethiopia, which had announced its acceptance of the 2000 Algiers Agreement, then by Eritrea which had decided to send a high-level delegation to Addis Ababa.

This important step forward provides an opportunity for France to pay tribute to the commitment of Ethiopia’s prime minister to ensuring that the countries of the region benefit, like his, from a policy that primarily promotes reconciliation. It is a courageous choice. France lends its full support for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s vision of the future for his country as well as the rest of the continent.

By responding positively to this commitment, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki contributed to this historic step. France commends his spirit of responsibility and does not doubt Eritrea’s intention to open up to the world. France hopes that this will help ensure the development of Eritrea, to which its people aspire.

We encourage Ethiopia and Eritrea to actively cooperate in the areas set out in the joint declaration and affirm our readiness to support, together with all of our partners in the region, both countries’ efforts to fully implement their new shared objectives.